WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) this morning spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Senator King’s remarks came in advance of an expected confirmation vote this afternoon on the nomination.

In his remarks, Senator King cited Mr. Pruitt’s opposition to the fundamental mission of the EPA as one of the reasons why he is voting against the nomination. Senator King also emphasized the importance of the Clean Air and Waters Acts in protecting Maine’s environment and the health and well-being of Maine citizens. He also criticized Mr. Pruitt’s questioning of the science behind climate change – one of the most pressing long-term issues confronting the United States and nations across the globe.

“For us to…approve this nominee who is hostile, who has sued the agency, who has never done a thing in his life to protect the environment, is just outrageous. It’s a dereliction of our responsibility, and we are going to look back on this moment and say, ‘What were we thinking?’” Senator King said. “And I understand that the President won. And elections have results, and he can move in the direction that he wants to on policy, but this is beyond policy. This is just fundamentally irresponsible to our children, to their children, and the future of this country.”

“And I understand that the EPA can overreach – any agency can overreach – and there should be control on regulations,” Senator King continued. “I have worked on regulatory reform since I have been here, but there’s a difference between regulatory reform and a wrecking ball to the fundamental protections that have made so much difference for the people of this country.”

To watch Senator King’s remarks, click HERE.

Senator King is a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee as well as the Climate Action Task Force.

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